USCIS
Processing time trackers, fee schedule changes, form updates, and policy memos from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Covers service center operations, office closures, and adjudication trends.
Top questions about USCIS
Answers from VisaVerge guidesWhat new policies were introduced by USCIS in 2025?
New policies included stricter naturalization testing and the termination of multiple humanitarian parole programs.
Read: USCIS End-of-Year Review Highlights Rigorous Immigration Enforcement ActionsWhat enforcement approach did DHS and USCIS implement as of January 2026?
DHS and USCIS implemented a zero-release and mandatory detention approach as of January 3, 2026, pushing longer immigration detention and fewer releases while deportation cases move through the system.
Read: How Long Can Immigration Detention Last Before Deportation Under Current LawWhat actions were taken by federal agencies in January 2026 that affected immigration processes?
On January 14, 2026, the Department of State (DOS) paused immigrant visa processing for 75 countries effective January 21, 2026. On January 15, 2026, USCIS announced Operation PARRIS to re-examine refugee cases for fraud/security.
Read: Family Self-Departs U.S. After 11-Year Green Card Backlog ReckoningWhat actions should people take if they have a pending immigration application due to recent policy changes?
People with pending applications should know their rights, gather documents, contact legal help, check their status, and stay informed about updates from official sources.
Read: Debate Intensifies Over Military’s Expanding Role in Immigration PolicyWhat changes did the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announce in 2025?
USCIS announced inflation adjustments that increased premium processing fees, with Form I-129 increasing from $2,805 to $2,965 and Form I-140 rising to $2,965.
Read: UK Government Hikes Immigration and Visa Fees, Canada and Germany GainVance, DHS, ICE Respond After Image Shows 5-Year-Old Detained in U.S.
A controversial ICE arrest in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, involving a 5-year-old boy has triggered a national clash between federal officials and local critics. DHS denies allegations of using the child…
Uscis, Office Closures, Hazardous Weather Shut Multiple Midwest Offices
A 'monster' winter storm on January 23, 2026, has closed USCIS offices in 13 states. Biometrics appointments will…
IDHR Files Housing Discrimination Charges Over South Shore, Chicago Raid
The Illinois Department of Human Rights is investigating a Chicago building's management for allegedly coordinating with federal agents…
Hiring of Filipino Nurses Slows Amid Visa Processing and Visa Retrogression
For Filipino nurses in 2026, navigating the U.S. visa process involves managing retrogression and frequent Requests for Evidence…
Ian Andre Roberts, Des Moines Public Schools, Falsely Claiming U.S. Citizenship Plea Expected
Ian Andre Roberts, ex-superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, is pleading guilty to federal charges involving false claims…
ICE Detains Students at Columbia Heights Public Schools Minnesota
A major ICE enforcement operation in the Twin Cities has led to the detention of four students, including…
Minnesota Businesses Close as People Observe Ice Out! Operation Metro Surge
A massive federal immigration surge in Minnesota has led to 3,000 arrests and sparked a major statewide protest…
California, Know Your Rights Act Notice Due February 1, 2026
SB 294 mandates California employers deliver annual stand-alone workplace rights notices by February 1, 2026, and implement emergency…
Naturalization Ceremonies Continue in Columbus Amid Trump‑era Crackdown
Official data confirms that citizenship ceremonies in Columbus, Ohio, remain operational despite rumors of a Trump-era crackdown. Evidence…
NTSB Offers Look Into DCA Crash Involving American Airlines Flight 5342
The NTSB will host a probable-cause meeting on January 27, 2026, regarding the 2025 DCA midair collision. Investigations…